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Tue, 28 Jul 2009 International

Ronaldo fails to impress…in front of home crowd

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By Kofi Owusu Aduonum - Ghanaian Chronicle

Cristiano Ronaldo produced only glimpses of his talent during his home debut for Real Madrid in a 1-1 draw with Al Ittihad on Sunday. Ronaldo was substituted by Gonzalo Higuain in the 66th minute, immediately after Hicham Aboucherouane equalised for the Saudi Arabian champions in the Peace Cup.

Raul Gonzalez gave Madrid the lead at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in the 55th minute.

Madrid's new No. 9 came closest to his first Madrid goal just before halftime, when his shot was tipped around the post by goalkeeper Mabrouk Zaid, after a swift exchange of passes with Karim Benzema.

The Portugal winger is the world's most expensive players, after his $133.7 million transfer from Manchester United.

He was one of three new signings included in the starting lineup by Madrid's new Chilean coach, Manuel Pellegrini.

The others were striker Benzema and defender Ezequiel Garay.

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